Indy Hothi CA, ICAS Ambassador, 2015

Career summary

I joined EY in 2011 on a rotational graduate programme across the Transactions Advisory Services (TAS) part of the business, working across a number of services to support M&A transactions.

In 2013 I moved into the economics team in the business where I have been working with a number of clients across the hospitality, sports and media space to quantify the economic and social impact of their activities.

A key milestone for me was working with my team to produce a report assessing the economic impact of one of the largest sporting leagues in the world, the English Premier League.

Why do you think it is important for chartered accountants to affect change?

Financial acumen underpins nearly all commercial and business activity in the world. Therefore, chartered accountants can be a significant force for positive change in the business world and, in my eyes, the profession has a moral duty to be actively involved in shaping society in a positive way.

What was the highlight of the One Young World summit for you?

The entire One Young World Summit was a life changing experience for me, so it's difficult to choose! I think it's definitely the network and connections you build at the summit, which can make a real lasting difference.

How did the experience influence you moving forward?

On a personal level, I feel like I've joined a wonderful family, and professionally it has really helped to progress initiatives that I'm currently undertaking.

For example, I've been able to further grow the arts-based social enterprise I run and I recently supported One Young World in its first art exhibition to mark World Refugee Day, which was even visited by Her Royal Highness, the Princess Eugenie of York.

As an individual, the summit really raised my awareness of some global issues where previously I had limited visibility and, as a result, has connected me with like-minded and passionate people that share the same purpose and values as me.

What advice would you offer this year’s CAW delegates attending the OYW summit?

I would say go with an open mind and don't be afraid to speak to new people. Set yourself targets on learning about new topics, meeting new people and not just swapping business cards but forging relationships based upon common interests and passions.

Indora Tanudin, ISCA Ambassador, 2015

The Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA)

Career summary

I graduated in 2013 from Nanyang Technological University with a Bachelor of Accountancy (First Class Honour) degree.

Since then, I have been working for PwC Singapore and I am currently a Senior Associate in the assurance department.

It has been an exciting year for me, particularly since I was part of the pioneer batch to graduate from the Singapore Qualification Programme which allowed me to be conferred the title of chartered accountant in March 2016.

Why do you think it is important for chartered accountants to affect change?

I have always believed in giving back to society, regardless of who we are or what we do. Being a chartered accountant simply means that we must uphold ourselves to a higher standard than others and therefore it is even more important for us to help those in need.

What was the highlight of the One Young World Summit for you?

The highlight of the event was definitely the opportunity to meet, listen to and discuss global issues with prominent figures, such as Kofi Annan and Professor Mohammad Yunus. On top of that, we were able to listen to many touching and heartwarming experiences shared by young leaders from all over the world.

How did the experience influence you moving forward?

The event taught me that, as an individual, we have limited power and resources to help others. It is only when we collaborate and work together can the potential be limitless.

What advice would you offer this year’s CAW delegates attending the OYW summit?

Be receptive and responsive. That is the best way to learn more about others and about yourself.

Stephanie Gunn, CAANZ Ambassador, 2015

Chartered Accountants of Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ)

Career summary

I graduated from the University of Tasmania in 2014 with a Bachelor of Business & Arts (majoring in accounting, psychology and sociology).

Since graduating, I have been working in the audit division of WLF Accounting & Advisory in Hobart, Tasmania. I am currently a Senior Auditor and work in both the external and internal audit fields.

I have a strong interest in internal audit work. I enjoy assisting clients to continually improve their systems and processes, which then helps them to improve their decision making and the effectiveness and efficiency of their business practices.

Why do you think it is important for chartered accountants to affect change?

Chartered accountants have the knowledge, skills, repute and global platform to affect change. We have the ability to influence how, when and what information is provided to organisations and their stakeholders. In turn this can positively influence economic and social decision making and behaviours.

We should continue to challenge accounting principles and make changes where necessary in order to contribute to the delivery of transparent and informative financial, economic and social information.

What was the highlight of the One Young World Summit for you?

The first was getting the opportunity to listen to the stories of the delegate speakers. These are leaders who, at such a young age, have initiated change in areas such as human rights, education, global business, environment, leadership & governance and peace & security.

In particular it was an absolute delight to listen to Yeonmi Park’s story of escaping North Korea and the events that followed.

The second key highlight for me was meeting fellow CAW delegates from all around the world. I have made long-standing friendships and look forward to working with my fellow delegates in the future.

How did the experience influence you moving forward?

I have taken the following key messages home with me and am endeavouring to practice them on a daily basis.

Change can be simple; start small and build from there.

We are responsible for change, we have the power in our hands, as consumers and as employees we can drive change from inside and outside organisations.

We are global citizens and it is essential that we view everyone based on their actions, not on their gender, sexuality, disabilities, race or religion. We must be inclusive, support one another and celebrate our differences.

Over the past year I have helped to drive key organisational changes and have successfully assisted with the development of a more inclusive, supportive, healthy and happy workplace.

Overall, my OYW experience has provided clarity of where I would like to head in the future, both professionally and personally.

What advice would you offer this year’s CAW delegates attending the OYW summit?

Make the most of all the sessions. Connect with the people you meet so you can continue to share ideas when you get home.

Think beyond the summit - OYW is not over after the closing ceremony.

Take the time to explore the city of Ottawa and the cultural experiences it has to offer. Take a walk down the canal, visit its many museums, explore its beautiful buildings and markets and get your hands on a delicious ‘beavertail’ pastry!

Most importantly have fun with your fellow delegates and enjoy the social side of the summit as well as the educational.

Chian Tyng Beh, ICAEW Ambassador, 2015

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales (ICAEW)

Career Summary

I qualified as a chartered accountant of ICAEW at 22 as an auditor in Folks DFK & Co in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

I then moved on to CIMB Investment Bank (Malaysia’s second largest local bank) as a corporate banking executive and specialist in real estate financing. I have been with the bank for more than 5 years now and have been involved in several high profile real estate lending transactions in both Malaysia and London.

As an ICAEW graduate, I occasionally speak at career guidance forums to guide/encourage potential ICAEW students on their career path.

Why do you think it is important for chartered accountants to affect change?

Chartered accountants are the gatekeepers of the financial world, and we are relied upon to make the best business decisions that are both ethically and financially sound.

Each chartered accountant has been trained with the fundamental importance of our code of ethics, integrity and professionalism, which should be applied both in the professional and social arena.

Hence, as chartered accountants and business leaders, we have the power to influence positive change with our decisions and actions, and the potential to leave the world better than we found it.

What was the highlight of the One Young World Summit for you?

Bangkok was a gracious host city and made all of us feel welcome. The OYW had an impressive turnout of more than 1,000 representatives from over 190 countries. It was such an amazing opportunity to exchange perspectives with such a culturally diverse community of individuals. Of course, what I treasure most is the friendship and alliances I made at the summit.

How did the experience influence you moving forward?

The OYW created a deeper awareness and understanding of the world’s issues and I was thoroughly inspired by all the delegates’ humanitarian efforts to make this world a better place.

It goes to show that anyone, no matter our background, can affect positive change; and every little effort counts. The world is becoming an exceedingly dark place, and mutual understanding and compassion is really the only way to achieve peace.

What advice would you offer this year’s CAW delegates attending the OYW summit?

Keep an open mind, don’t be afraid to ask questions and mix around with the group. You never know who you would meet and what you will learn, and what lasting impact it could have on your ideals. And of course, have fun!

Did you enter One Young CA 2016? Tell us why you want to attend this year's One Young World Summit in the comments below.